Numerous conditions or factors can keep you from losing weight. According to MayoClinic.com, weight loss involves burning more calories than you consume. Reducing extra calories from food and beverages, along with burning more calories through physical exertion or exercise, can help you lose weight. In some cases, however, you may consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly and still be unable to lose weight. Certain medical conditions can make losing weight extremely difficult for some individuals.
Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, is a medical condition that can keep you from losing weight. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, Hashimoto's disease is a type of chronic inflammation of your thyroid gland -- a butterfly-shaped gland located on the front of your neck. Inflammation of your thyroid gland damages the gland and decreases thyroid function -- a condition known as hypothyroidism. The NIDDK states that Hashimoto's diseases is the most common cause of hypothyroidism among Americans. Common signs and symptoms associated with Hashimoto's disease include an inability to lose weight, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, constipation, thinning hair, irregular menstrual periods, impaired fertility, depression and a decreased heart rate.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome can keep you from losing weight. MayoClinic.com states that polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, you possess enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts -- fluid-filled sacs -- located near the outer edge of each ovary. Common signs and symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome include obesity and an inability to lose weight, infertility, menstrual abnormalities and excess androgen, or male hormones. If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, you may also have acanthosis nigricans, or darkened, velvety skin on your neck, armpits, inner thighs and other parts of your body. According to MayoClinic.com, possible causes of polycystic ovary syndrome include excess insulin, low-grade inflammation, heredity and abnormal fetal development.
Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes of impaired weight loss. According to the World Health Organization, or WHO, at least 60 percent of the global population does not achieve the minimum recommendation of 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day. Adults in developed nations are more likely to be sedentary than inactive than adults in developing countries. Physical inactivity, states the WHO, is a significant contributor to the global burden of chronic disease, including obesity, heart disease, stroke and breast and colon cancer. The National Institutes of Health's Weight-Control Information Network states that physical activity can help you control your weight by using excess calories that would otherwise be stored as fat. You can increase your physical activity levels -- and lose excess weight -- by engaging in certain activities, including brisk walking, gardening and water aerobics.
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